Tamworth Home

Longton made hard work of beating an impressive Tamworth side by 31pts. to 26 and so picked up a bonus point for their 5 tries. Longton began strongly and scored the opening try of the match after just 2mins. They worked the ball into the Tamworth “22” and from a scrum moved the ball right for James Mountford to get the touchdown. Joe Hall converted with a magnificent kick from the touchline to make it 7-0pts. It took Tamworth 10mins. to notch their first try and the good conversion levelled the scores at 7pts. each.

Then, after 20mins. Tamworth went ahead when they moved the ball left at pace and went over for the try out wide. The conversion failed but Tamworth now led by 12-7pts. However, only 2mins. later Longton replied with their 2nd. try. The forwards carried the ball strongly and Gaz Rawlings handed the ball to Pete Wilshaw who crashed over for a superb try. The conversion from Joe Hall was good putting the hosts 14-12pts. up. There was no further scoring in the half although Tamworth were impressive with the ball in hand.

The second half started well for Tamworth and they went in front with a penalty 25m. out and 15m. to the left of the posts for a 15-14pts. lead. Longton replied almost immediately when a strong run from Joe Hall saw him go over under the posts. He converted his own score to make it 21-15pts. Only 5mins. later Tamworth closed the gap with another penalty ( one of many awarded against Longton ) to make the score 21-18pts. Some 6mins. later a further penalty, this from 30m., and in front of the posts levelled the scores at 21pts. all.

With 25mins. gone Longton were awarded a penalty when attacking and fly-half, Tom Hughes, put the ball deep into the visitors’ “22”. The forwards won a good lineout and Gaz Rawlings crashed over for the score. Joe Hall’s conversion just missed but Longton led by 26-21pts. Shortly after Longton returned to the attack and slick hands put in winger, James Mountford, in for a fine try. The conversion fell just short but Longton now led by 31-21pts. Unfortunately, the impressive Joe Hall was forced to leave the field with a leg injury.

As the clock went into injury time Tamworth launched a final attack and with slick hands scored the final try in the corner. The conversion failed and the final whistle went with Longton running out winners by 31-26pts.

Tom Hughes impressed at fly-half and Joe Hall was a constant threat in the centre. Ant Cornwell, standing in for George Glenn, performed well at hooker.

Next week Longton are at home to Camp Hill.

M Wheat.